Technology in the Classroom

Technology in the Classroom    

 The below link will take you to the website/blog created to accompany a science unit on Earth's Biomes.  I have included this link in order to demonstrate one example in which I have incorporated technology into my teaching.  Technology is an ever-growing area that can provide many exciting learning opportunities for our students.  In my classroom, I work to find ways to utilize technology for the benefit of my students.  Technology can be used at any age and should be used to help students explore their ability to enjoy, and be responsible for, their learning.  Although I feel strongly about incorporating technology into the learning process, I also know the appropriate use of technology must be explicitly modeled for students.  I feel it is my responsibility, as the classroom teacher, to model appropriate and responsible research, use, and care of technology in the classroom.  It is very important not to just assume the students know how to use the internet as a research tool.  I have always felt strongly about guiding them through the process in small, explicit, and well detailed steps.  If appropriately used, technology can greatly increase the effectiveness of instruction in any grade or subject area.

Example website created by Amber Chatham for a Unit of Study on Earth's Biomes - 6th grade:

Exploring Earth's Biomes


Other ways in which I have used technology in the classroom:

1.   QR Codes:   QR codes explained

2.  Safe internet researching for any grade: 

Good research tips for children

Safe web surfing tips for children

3.  Station Activities with I-Pads 

4.  Classroom review games 

(bingo, jeopardy, and family feud style games) 

* online bingo generator:  bingo

* online Jeopardy game generator: Jeopardy

* creating a 'Family Feud' teams style game: Family Feud style game for the classroom

5. Simulation games to reinforce or expand a concept

* example: Reinforcement of Natural Disaster study using a disaster simulator

   after studying natural disasters students were asked to input and create specific situations in which a    natural disaster might occur.   

   Stop Disasters Game/Simulator

When implementing or utilizing technology the possibilities are endless.  You just have to be creative, safe and thorough in order to fully utilize the ever-expanding facet of learning expansion.